Upcycled Cog Bracelet Tutorial

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue

Designer Tips

Whenever walking, watch for unusual/interesting metal objects on the ground! When they are an unknown metal, do not try antiquing them or punching holes with your jewelry tools. Aluminum may cause undesirable (toxic) chemical reactions, and steel is likely to break your jewelry tools. As a safer alternative, wrap with cord, wire or leather.
Cut the snaps off the 1/2" wrap bracelet and fold one end around the edge of the tribuckle's smaller hole. Mark the spots that need holes punched. (also now available: leather strips by the meter)
Turn the rotary end of the leather hole punch to 2.5mm. Carefully center the punch on the bracelet, and punch holes to rivet the clasp.

Fold leather strap over smallest part of tribuckle clasp, and run rivet through the holes, making sure the decorative side of the tribuckle, and the nice rivet cap are both on the top/front of the bracelet.
Set rivet post (bottom) on steel block, and place the rounded end of the rivet setter over top of rivet cap. Tap rivet setter with brass hammer 1-3 times. Check rivet to make sure it is securely set. See the Rivet Setter Illustration for details.
Use sharps scissors to trim other end of bracelet to desired length.
Add embellishments to bracelet: Slide loose components such as the found-object cog into desired location, and sew, rivet or wire wrap decorations as desired. Punch additional 2.5mm holes, and add a few plain rivets as accents near the focal and/or clasp.

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